Hughes reunited with Santa Cruz after 18m deal sealed June 22, 2009 ROQUE SANTA CRUZ hailed the chance to work with former boss Mark Hughes as the major factor in his decision to make an £18m move to Manchester City after completing the long-awaited switch yesterday. After passing a medical the 27-year-old Paraguay striker signed a four-year deal which commits him to Eastlands until 2012. “I know the [...]
FOOTBALL IN BRIEF June 22, 2009 Rodwell earns U21s top spotENGLAND clinched top spot in their group with a 1-1 draw against Germany at the European Under-21 Championship last night. Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell headed the equaliser for Stuart Pearce’s much-changed side, who had already booked a place in the semi-finals. Germany, who have also reached the last four, had earlier [...]
Robson, 15, wins hearts but loses battle at Wimbledon June 22, 2009 BRITISH starlet Laura Robson said she was “upset but proud” after the 15-year-old gave former world No5 Daniela Hantuchova a major scare at Wimbledon. Robson, last year’s junior champion, had her opponent on the rack after taking the first set and moving a break ahead in the second. Nerves took their toll on the left-hander, [...]
17.5m Johnson snubs Blues in favour of Liverpool move June 22, 2009 ENGLAND defender Glen Johnson is set to complete a £17.5m transfer to Liverpool after rejecting a return to former club Chelsea. Liverpool confirmed last night they had agreed a fee with Portsmouth and personal terms with Johnson, 24, following a three-way chase for his signature. Big-spending Manchester City were also in the running while Chelsea [...]
Home hero Murray all set for tilt at history June 22, 2009 ANDY MURRAY begins his quest today to become the first British man to win the Wimbledon singles title since Fred Perry in 1936 – and the Scot says he is ready. The 22-year-old starts the tournament as second favourite behind five-time winner Roger Federer, following the withdrawal of reigning champion Rafael Nadal. World No3 Murray’s [...]
Owen hot property but frosty on foreign suitors June 22, 2009 NEWCASTLE striker Michael Owen insists he has had no shortage of inquiries from clubs at home and abroad interested in signing him on a free transfer this summer. Owen said yesterday he expects to leave St James’ Park when his contract expires in the next few weeks, and would prefer to join another outfit in [...]
Vettel victory sparks a Red Bull assault June 21, 2009 RESURGENT Red Bull laid down the gauntlet to championship leader Jenson Button and his Brawn GP team after registering an impressive one-two in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Young pretender Sebastian Vettel cruised to a third Grand Prix victory ahead of team-mate Mark Webber, while Button, winner of six races already this season, finished [...]
Younus: T20 triumph is like a gift from God June 21, 2009 ECSTATIC Pakistan captain Younus Khan described the World Twenty20 trophy as “gift” to the Pakistani people after leading his side to an eight-wicket demolition of Sri Lanka in the final at Lord’s. After losing their opening match to England, Younus’ side rallied to victory in their next five games before impressively disposing of the favourites [...]
Federer feels no pressure as he goes in search of history June 21, 2009 RED-HOT favourite Roger Federer insists he has shelved any thoughts of creating tennis history at Wimbledon this next fortnight. The Swiss ace is looking to surpass Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major titles by landing a sixth success at the All England Club. His chances increased dramatically after defending champion and world No1 Rafael Nadal [...]
Payne gets the nod as Lions are left licking their wounds June 21, 2009 ENGLAND prop Tim Payne has been called-up for the British Lions squad as cover for international team-mate Andrew Sheridan. Sheridan missed Saturday’s 26-21 first Test defeat against South Africa in Durban with a back injury and remains a doubt for Saturday’s second Test in Pretoria. Indeed, coach Ian McGeechan is taking no chances and yesterday [...]